Ellensburg, Washington is a University Anchored City
You’ll find higher than average levels of education, and a youthful and vibrant workforce who are job ready to meet your business needs. Click on either of the images below to view it at a larger size.
Why key Industries Locate in Ellensburg
Ellensburg offers businesses a ready, youthful workforce, geographic location at the intersection of two interstate freeways, vacant land available for your facility needs and an unparalleled quality of life.
We have identified key industries based on how Ellensburg’s assets will enhance a business’ potential to succeed and the business’ ability to create quality jobs.
Healthcare
With a diverse population including 10,000 undergraduate students attending CWU and steady growth in people age 50 and over, Ellensburg provides for the best place to start or grow a healthcare businesses. Whether you are looking to start a temporary nurse staffing agency or transcription service, clinic or be a wellness coach, we have the infrastructure and workforce to help you succeed.
- Workforce: Ellensburg is home to Central Washington University with 10,000 students learning and working
- Growing population: For over 10 years, Ellensburg ranks in the top 10 microregions in the nation for population growth
- Intellectual Capital: Ellensburg is a college town with all the benefits of having motivated students for internships and faculty in health sciences and other disciplines available to perform research
Construction
As you consider the reasons to start or relocate your business, your primary concern is likely be how the move is going to affect your bottom line. Consider this: Ellensburg’s population is growing and so is the need for housing, retail, commercial and industrial space. A pipeline of youthful workers is ready to work as they earn a degree or certificate in Construction Management or Safety and Health Management from Central Washington University. Lower taxes and utility costs combined with land available for you to start and grow your business.
- Availability of Labor: The average age of an Ellensburg resident is 23.4 years old. Motivated, youthful and skilled labor force is available countywide
- Central Location: We are located on the way to everywhere which makes the receiving and shipping of construction materials easy
- More people, more buildings: Ellensburg is in the top ten in the nation for micropolitan population growth and in the top three for county population growth in Washington. People need homes to live in and buildings to work in
Manufacturing
Looking for a youthful, well-educated workforce? Look no further than Ellensburg, home to Central Washington University offering degree and certificate programs in electrical, mechanical, and industrial engineering. Add in the availability of vacant land at less than $5 per SF to build your facility, and we know you will select Ellensburg for your manufacturing business.
- Land, Lots of Land: Whether you are looking for 2 acres or 200 acres, Ellensburg has developable land available
- Central Location: We are located on the way to everywhere which makes the receiving and shipping of construction materials easier
- More people, more buildings: Ellensburg is in the top ten in the nation for micropolitan population growth and in the top three for county population growth in Washington. People need homes to live in and buildings to work in
Technology
Ellensburg offers tremendous value including high performing, highly motivated talent. Living in Ellensburg is known as a ‘best place’ because of our low taxes and utility costs, overall cost of living and quality of life. As more and more workers choose where they live for work, we are an affordable and safe option, yet close to urban centers.
- Available broadband: Gig fiber internet throughout Ellensburg
- Cheap power: Whether your power needs are minimal or hundreds of megawatts, we have affordable power options available
- Opportunity Zones: Ellensburg has not 1 but 2 Opportunity Zones to assist with capital gains
Distribution/Warehousing/Logistics
Located 90 miles from the Puget Sound at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 82, Ellensburg is on the way to everywhere. Join us in the central part of the state where you can select from ample vacant land at both the south and west interchange of I-90 or at our regional airport at Bowers Field.
- Available broadband: Gig fiber internet throughout Ellensburg
- Cheap power: Whether your power needs are minimal or hundreds of megawatts, we have affordable power options available
- Opportunity Zones: Ellensburg has not 1 but 2 Opportunity Zones to assist with capital gains
We have the resources and support that provide a dynamic environment where entrepreneurs, startups and established companies succeed and prosper!
Incentives for Moving Your Business to Ellensburg
Washington offers businesses a range of incentives that are geared toward specific industries that are high growth and which fit into our sector-based strategy for economic prosperity.
Some of these incentives come in the form of tax credits, exemptions or deferrals for specific activities, such as adding new equipment, investing in new technologies or energy sources, or building new manufacturing facilities or hiring workers in rural communities. Washington State Department of Commerce offers a list of incentives.
Many businesses may qualify for several Washington State Department of Revenue tax incentives. These incentives include deferrals, reduced B&O rates, exemptions, and credits. There are many state incentives you can take advantage of—some have an average savings of $100,000, while others offer thousands of dollars in tax credits for new hires. Here are a few:
- B&O tax credit for new hires: up to $4,000 credit for each new position
- Job skills program—competitive grant: average savings of $100,000
- Manufacturers of biodiesel fuel, biodiesel alcohol fuel, and feedstock and wood biomass fuel get a B&O tax reduction of 0.138% (instead of 0.484%)
- For a full list of incentives organized by industry, check out Washington State Tax Incentives.
Who Benefits?
Maybe you. There are a myriad of industries and sectors that may benefit from tax incentives. Here are the general incentive categories:
- General manufacturing
- Rural county/community empowerment zone (CEZ) incentives
- High unemployment county/CEZ
- High technology industry
- Aerospace industry
- Extracting & timber manufacturing
- Food processing/manufacturing industry
- Biofuel industry
- Semiconductor industry
- Aluminum smelting industry
- Farming & agriculture
- Renewable energy/green incentives
- Miscellaneous incentive programs
- Warehouse incentive programs
See all of Washington State’s tax incentives here.
There are many local incentives available as well.
Opportunity Zones
Ellensburg’s two Opportunity Zones provide a tax incentive for investors to re-invest their unrealized capital gains into dedicated Opportunity Funds.
Ellensburg has two Opportunity Zones for business investors who are looking for a financial tool to reduce the impact of capital gains. The federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2017. The Opportunity Zone program was included in that act, which was designed to provide tax incentives to investors who fund businesses in underserved communities. Investors can defer paying taxes on capital gains that are invested in distressed communities designated as Opportunity Zones by the governor.
Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #203
Ellensburg and the whole of Kittitas County is designated as FTZ #203. In the United States (U.S.), a foreign-trade zone (FTZ) is a geographical area, near a U.S. Port of Entry, where commercial merchandise, both domestic and foreign receives the same Customs treatment it would if it were outside the commerce of the U.S. Merchandise of every description may be held in the zone without being subject to tariffs (customs duties) and other ad valorem taxes. This tariff and tax relief is designed to lower the costs of U.S.-based operations engaged in international trade and thereby foster global competitiveness.
Traffic Impact Fees
Expanding the street network and non-motorized, or active transportation infrastructure is important to a growing community. Traffic impact fees are collected for projects during the building permit process. These fees are used on prescribed projects on the City’s vehicular and active transportation systems and are only used to fund infrastructure projects that increase capacity. Some projects are exempt or partially exempt, including those with no net peak hour trip increase, low-income housing, and early learning centers. In addition, there is a 50% fee reduction for those building permits in the commercial and industrial zones, and a 100% reduction for those in the central commercial zones.
New Markets Tax Credit
The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) was designed to increase the flow of capital to businesses and low income communities by providing a modest tax incentive to private investors. Over the last 15 years, the NMTC has proven to be an effective, targeted and cost-efficient financing tool valued by businesses, communities, and investors across the country. Ellensburg has two qualifying census tracts. This incentive is set to sunset on 12/31/2025.
Tax Increment Financing
Tax increment financing (TIF) is a method of redistributing property tax collections within designated areas to finance infrastructure improvements within these designated areas. This financing tool was made available to cities in Washington in 2021 to fund local infrastructure projects.
Additional Resources
With more than 135 degree programs, the university’s graduates bring innovation and energy to the local workforce. World-class music and theatre performances in the beautiful McIntyre and McConnell Halls inspire and delight audiences from all over the world. Catch a lecture by a visiting speaker. Cheer on Wildcat Rugby! Explore the stars at the CWU observatory. Stroll through the Japanese Gardens. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here!
All of Kittitas County is a Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), which is a geographical area in or adjacent to a US Port of Entry, where commercial merchandise, both domestic and foreign, receives the same Customs treatment it would if it were outside the commerce of the US. Our County FTZ is made possible through a partnership with Grant County Economic Development Council and the Port of Moses Lake.
Ellensburg has two established Opportunity Zones, one which include the Historic Downtown City Center. These zones allow investors to reinvest capital gains into Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOF) and take advantage of significant tax breaks.